Facility Notes

In Las Vegas, Alan Snel reports AEG and MGM Resorts Int'l plan "to move the first chunk of earth" for their $350M arena behind New York-New York at "a groundbreaking ceremony set for May 1," with a projected opening in spring '16. It will "open without an NBA or NHL tenant because AEG and MGM plan to line up programming such as concerts, MMA fight shows, sports events, award shows and boxing matches." Still, the arena "will be built to NBA and NHL specifications" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 4/18).

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? In Ft. Lauderdale, Miriam Valverde notes Verizon has "installed advanced in-building 4G LTE wireless systems" at AmericanAirlines Arena and BB&T Center "to improve high-speed wireless service to customers." Verizon "picked up the tab for the 'multimillion-dollar'' investment" at both venues. Upgrades at AmericanAirlines Arena were "completed this week, just in time for the NBA playoffs" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 4/18).

REBEL WITH A CAUSE: In Mississippi, Hugh Kellenberger noted Ole Miss "hopes to break ground on the north endzone project" at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium "as soon as after" the upcoming football season. AD Ross Bjork on Wednesday said that the school "needs additional financing in its Forward Together campaign to make that a reality." The school is "almost done renovating the Manning Center, and has broken ground" on a new basketball arena and parking deck (CLARIONLEDGER.com, 4/17).

TED TALKS: Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed on Thursday announced that the city already has "received multiple offers on Turner Field." Reed: "We can sell Turner Field right now." He added that Atlanta has "received two to four offers on the 77-acre property." While Reed declined to give specifics, he acknowledged that he has been "in conversation" with Georgia State Univ. officials. He said the school "has some interest" in the land (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 4/18).